Top 15 SUVs of 2016

It can be challenging to figure out which features matter the most when searching for the ultimate SUV for you and your family. We decided to look at the top vehicles in each class to determine which ones had the most to offer for the average driver. There’s a whole bunch of information out there, and we distilled it down to the most widely sought-after elements of SUVs.

This list includes SUV models from subcompacts to large luxury vehicles, and the best off-roaders too. The top SUV for you will depend on what you consider to be the most important: price, features or mileage. As for safety ratings, we chose only those vehicles with top marks. A couple of them have not been rated, however. We also looked at performance and reliability in our evaluation.

Here are the results:

[respa]1. Honda HR-V – Subcompact

The HR-V has a 6-speed manual transmission, and it’s a four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive vehicle. This isn’t a performance vehicle, so don’t expect super-fast acceleration. However, it would be a great choice for commuting because it has the best mileage of all the vehicles in this class that have the same features.

At 58.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity, this subcompact has a lot of interior room. The back seat has enough room to be comfortable without squishing passengers’ knees, too. The back seat will fold down in a 60/40 ratio, leaving a passenger seat while significantly increasing cargo space.

2. Mazda CX-3 – Subcompact

[respa]Steering and handling are first class in this four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive vehicle. It comes with automatic transmission, and acceleration is among the best in the subcompact range at 0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds. At the same time, the thrifty gas mileage compares to other subcompacts. The CX-3 ranks first out of ten subcompacts according to U.S. News and World Report.

The CX-3 doesn’t have as much cargo room as some other models. However, it’s a sporty choice, with edgy styling like optional 18-inch rims. The suspension and handling make it feel more like a sports car than an SUV. If you’re looking for something fun to drive and cargo space isn’t a deal killer, this is an enjoyable ride with some of the best features in a subcompact SUV.

3. Honda CR-V – Compact

With the Honda CR-V, we’re moving up from subcompacts to the roomier and slightly more expensive compact class. This is another four-cylinder front-wheel-drive model with automatic transmission. There’s a lot of cargo capacity with 70.9 cubic feet available. The acceleration isn’t exciting, but it has improved over earlier models.

Considering the size of this compact SUV, it almost gets the best gas mileage. With the same mpg as the HR-V subcompact, the CR-V adds extra leg room and enough headroom for everyone. Only the Toyota RAV4 has more cargo capacity, and the CR-V comes with Pandora compatibility as a standard feature. It also has one of the top safety ratings from multiple sources, and it’s the U.S. News and World Report’s pick for top 2016 model luxury SUV in the compact category.

Tofudevil / Shutterstock.com

Tofudevil / Shutterstock.com


4. Toyota RAV4 – Compact

[respa]Considered the cousin of the Honda CR-V, the front-wheel drive RAV4 can’t be said to have the best mileage; it falls somewhere in the middle of most rankings. The best features of this compact SUV are the generous cargo space and above-average reliability. If you’re looking for a car that you can depend on, this is important to consider.

The RAV4 has accurate steering and the automatic transmission provides easy handling, so it’s a pleasure to drive. This four-cylinder vehicle doesn’t have a lot of get-up-and-go, however. It’s fine for passing on the highway but doesn’t have speedy acceleration. On the other hand, it has top safety ratings and a rearview camera comes as a standard feature.

5. Subaru Outback – Compact

The Outback has an automatic transmission with a four-cylinder engine, but the difference here is in the standard all-wheel drive. This feature navigates wet roads, mud, and corners with increased control. The compact sport utility vehicle can comfortably seat five people. With a highway cruising range of 592 miles, you won’t have to stop for fill-ups very often on trips.

[respa]The basic package on this vehicle includes a rear-view camera, HD radio and a 6.2-inch touch screen, along with the expected USB port and Bluetooth capability. It also gets the overall best gas mileage of the four compact SUVs we researched, beating the Honda CRV by a hair.

6. Hyundai Tucson – Compact

The Hyundai Tucson was chosen as the best 2016 best compact SUV for the money by U.S. News and World Report. The four-cylinder compact SUV has the kind of quiet cab you would expect to find in a luxury SUV. It’s a four-wheel drive vehicle with automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is available. The quiet and comfortable ride is one of the most often mentioned perks of this model.

The cargo capacity is also good at 61.9 cubic feet. The Tucson comes with a 5-inch touch screen and wheel-mounted controls as standard equipment. One drawback is the fabric seats, which won’t wear as well as vinyl or leather. The Tucson also has the best price of the compacts we studied.

Peter Gudella / Shutterstock.com

Peter Gudella / Shutterstock.com


7. Honda Pilot – Midsize

[respa]As we move up into the midsize SUV range, the price is going to rise. Power, handling and cargo capacity will also get a significant bump, though. The Honda Pilot is one of the top three midsized SUVs across the board. One of the reasons is the standard V-6 engine, which provides excellent acceleration and passing power.

This is a 3-row SUV with seating for eight. The Pilot is a front-wheel drive vehicle with automatic transmission. One of the best features is the quiet interior, especially for long trips. Rough pavement and high speeds can make the interior loud in some vehicles, but exterior noise is minimized here. Toyota offers a comprehensive suite of security features, although you have to upgrade to get some of them.

8. Kia Sorento – Midsize

The Sorento gets high marks for interior design, with plenty of room and high quality upholstery. There is a third row option, but the engine will struggle with the extra weight. However, you can upgrade to a turbocharged four-cylinder or a V-6 if power is important to you. The automatic transmission is smooth and the Sorento has feather-touch steering for easy maneuverability. The vehicle is front-wheel drive but with an all-wheel drive upgrade available.

With the same fuel economy as the Honda Pilot, the Kia Sorento has the best price, even with the third row added. Extra features can drive the price up quickly, though. Upgrading to the LX model costs $4,000, and it includes a voice command touch screen for navigation, along with a rearview camera. Upgrading also adds free roadside assistance for ten years or 100,000 miles of ownership.

[respb]9. Volvo XC90 – Midsize/Luxury

With about the same gas mileage as the Kia Sorento, the Volvo XC90 engine has plenty of power to sustain the third row of seats. The base engine is a four-cylinder turbocharged and highly rated engine. The automatic transmission is fluid, and optional all-wheel drive gives extra maneuverability. The one thing that sticks out here compared to the vehicles reviewed so far is the price, which is up to 80 percent higher than the other midsize SUVs.

So, what do you get for that extra cost besides a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive? This flagship Volvo SUV is packed with new features, including an oversized infotainment screen that resembles an iPad. Not to mention that its 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5.6 seconds rivals Tesla vehicles. These perks, added to the roomy leather and wood interior and celebrated Volvo safety record, make the Volvo XC90 the plushest midsized family SUV around.

Art Konovalov / Shutterstock.com

Art Konovalov / Shutterstock.com


10. Ford Expedition – Full-size

[respa]The Ford Expedition has automatic transmission and is powered by the equivalent of a turbocharged V-6 engine. It’s a four-wheel drive vehicle with all-wheel drive available. The Expedition has a lot of exciting features like expansive seating, cargo room and up to 9,200 pounds of towing ability. It also has precise steering and a smooth ride, although acceleration can lag, and it doesn’t rank highly on fuel economy.

The third-row seat is quite roomy in the Expedition and the EL model has the most cargo space of any SUV in its class. The Expedition isn’t a luxury SUV unless you spring for some upgrades, but it has the best price of the full-size models we looked at. The standard model doesn’t come with a touch screen and parts of the interior are made of molded plastic. However, satellite radio and a comprehensive suite of safety features is standard.

11. Chevy Tahoe – Full-Size/Luxury

[respa]The automatic transmission and wide frame give the Chevy Tahoe a smooth ride. This rear-wheel drive SUV has a powerfulV-8 engine and comes with power steering. Other features include reinforced brake rotors and a rearview camera. An 8-inch touch screen, five USB ports and HD/satellite radio are also standard.

The Tahoe is rated the top 2016 model in luxury SUVs by U.S. News and World Report in the full-size category. This is in large part because of the powerful engine combined with the upscale interior. It also received high marks for safety. Although the Tahoe seats eight, the third-row seats aren’t as spacious as the others. The cabin is insulated against road and wind noise for a quiet ride.

12. Cadillac Escalade – Full-size/Luxury

As one reviewer writes, the Cadillac Escalade is “no small thing.” This extra-large family SUV has a V-8 engine, and it comes equipped with automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. One of the largest SUV’s around, the Escalade is also heavy on comfort and extra features. Considering the size of the engine and the vehicle itself, it gets the best gas mileage out of the full-size luxury SUVs.

Heated and cooled leather seats and a 12.3-inch voice-activated touch screen grace the interior. Short-range radar alerts the driver of objects that are approaching quickly. The Escalade also has an impressive towing power of about 8,000 pounds. The front strut and rear axle suspension are modeled after GM full-size pickups and the Escalade seats eight.

Ed Aldridge / Shutterstock.com

Ed Aldridge / Shutterstock.com


13. Toyota Land Cruiser – Full-size/Luxury

[respa]Like the Escalade, the Land Cruiser has a V-8 engine and automatic transmission. It’s a four-wheel drive vehicle with an improved transmission for 2016. It seats seven in comfort, although it’s a little cramped with eight passengers. Unfortunately, fuel economy is not a feature of this luxury SUV. Safety is, though, with a total of 10 airbags in the vehicle. The Land Cruiser is also primed for off-roading with several different terrain modes.

The standard features of the Land Cruiser read like the luxury upgrades of other models. It comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless ignition, a rear-view camera, touchscreen navigation and wireless charging. There’s a DVD entertainment system in the rear, a JBL premium stereo system, and a four-zone climate control system.

14. Lexus LX570 – Full-size/Luxury

The LX570 has been called the luxury version of the Toyota Land Cruiser, which is a pretty tricked-out vehicle in the first place. The Lexus LX570 is another 8-passenger SUV with a V-8 engine and lots of power. It has an automatic transmission and comes with standard four-wheel drive. There’s definitely some pampering for the driver and passengers, like the huge 12.3-inch information screen up front and two 11.6-inch infotainment screens in the back.

[respa]The Lexus LX570 has a sportier, updated dash compared to the Toyota Land Cruiser and it has off-road capability as well. A nine-speaker sound system and Siri Eyes Free are both standard features. The adaptive suspension ensures a comfortable ride. Best of all, the safety suite is also standard, and it includes a pre-collision system, lane change alerts, pedestrian detection and adaptive cruise control.

15. Land Rover Range Rover – Full-size/Luxury

While starting in the same price range as the Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX570, the Range Rover has nearly infinite room for upgrades. It’s the ultimate luxury off-roader, ranking second in off-road SUVs in U.S. News and World Report. The Range Rover has some of the luxury options you would expect, like HD/satellite radio, rearview camera and smart-phone integration. It also has adjustable driving modes, including for snow, mud and sand.

This four-wheel drive SUV has automatic transmission. Opting for the turbodiesel V-6 ups the mpg to 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway and it costs an extra $1,500. Some of the options are standard features on other models, though, like adaptive cruise control and a rear entertainment system. The gas mileage is significantly better than competitors because of the V-6 engine and the lack of a third seating row.

Vytautas Kielaitis / Shutterstock.com

Vytautas Kielaitis / Shutterstock.com